HNK Rijeka have learned their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round opponents after the draw held on 21 July 2026: Irish side Derry City await if they advance. Rijeka are currently 4th in the HNL with 53 points from 36 games and aiming to secure a return to Europe after a poor start to the season.

What happened?

The UEFA Conference League draw set the potential opponents for Croatian clubs in the third qualifying round. HNK Rijeka will face Derry City in the second qualifying round, with the winner then meeting the winner of the tie between Iceland's Stjarnan and Finland's Ilves Tampere in the third round. Second-round matches are scheduled for 28 and 30 July 2026.

Why it matters for HNK Rijeka

This draw gives Rijeka a chance to return to Europe after starting the season with just four points from their first six games. Rijeka have recorded two wins and two draws in their last five matches (WDDLW), and their most recent outing ended in a 2-0 victory over Gorica on 23 May 2026. The Conference League offers an extra route to the group stage, which would mean additional revenue and exposure for the club.

What comes next?

If Rijeka overcome Derry City, the third round will await them against the winner of Stjarnan vs Ilves Tampere. Rijeka have scored 49 goals and conceded 36 this season, with a +13 goal difference, but still trail league leaders Dinamo Zagreb by 33 points. Their next league fixture at home to Dinamo Zagreb on 8 August 2026 will be a major test for the Kantrida side.

Conference League opposition

Hajduk and Varaždin also have their own paths in the Conference League. Hajduk, should they drop out of the Europa League, could face the winner of the Dinamo Tbilisi vs Žalgiris tie. Varaždin must first beat Czech side Jablonec, with the winner then taking on RFS vs Vestri. Third-round matches are scheduled for 6 and 13 August 2026.

Rijeka and Varaždin would host in potential first legs, while Hajduk would travel away. According to Transfermarkt, all Croatian representatives are stronger than their potential opponents, raising hopes of a group-stage return.